DURING THE DOT.COM era of the ’90s, computers themselves were all the rage. Thousands of Internet-based companies sprung up, providing a variety of work-from-home options for office-weary workmongers and investment opportunities for business trailblazers. But while computers continue to remain relevant to all things personal and professional, it is now the accessories that go along with them that have captured the attention of end-users and consumers alike. From earbuds to flash drives and digital photo frames to USB pens, the category provides unlimited promotional appeal for tech-savvy distributors and their clients. Why computer accessories? According to Scott Meng, marketing coordinator at Houston-based
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ONCE UPON A time, in a fashion industry not-so-far away, wafer-thin models became the norm. “Heroin chic” inched its way into the cultural lexicon and Hollywood’s red carpet grew lousy with actresses the approximate width of a coat hanger. Women knew they had waists. Curves, too. But clothes that accentuated—or even acknowledged—these shapes did not exist. In an equally nonsensical dimension, promotional apparel cornered the market on the opposite end of the spectrum: the shapeless, one-size-fits-all garment. Despite the fact that “one size” fit no one particularly well, it became standard fare. And women’s curves were thwarted again. Yet, in 2008, hope
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Moisture-wicking fabric wins the performance-wear popularity contest. APERSON ONLY has to consider the steadiness of antiperspirant and umbrella sales in this country to know that, from a comfort standpoint, an overabundance of moisture just isn’t OK for the average human. Maybe it’s simple biology. Orangutans—primates with whom we share around 95 percent of our genetic makeup—are known to craft rain hats out of leaves. But regardless of how clever these friendly apes might be, they’ve yet to come up with any solutions for the sweating thing. Such know-how can only be a byproduct of that last 5 percent of uniquely Homo sapien
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THERE’S NO OTHER industry that appeals to and satisfies the five senses quite like the promotional products industry. If a treat is needed to sweeten a business deal, there is no shortage of companies offering up the right confections. If a tune is required to spread good will, a selection of suppliers can be found on the playlist. The five senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell battle for equal airtime in an industry that’s all about getting customers’ names out there. Following, industry suppliers offering products representa-tive of each sensory category share their take on why their items are the most
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MAN OR MYTH, fact or fiction, Ned Ludd is oft-cited as the inspiration for the Luddite movement of early 19th century England. A supposed simpleton, Ludd was fabled to have destroyed two automated looms, epitomizing and inspiring the coming Luddite revolt against the machinery of the industrial revolution. The Luddites believed technological advances hurt their livelihood—as automated machines required fewer artisans—and rallied to slow their progress, smashing equipment in the name of the working man. Centuries later, the Luddite movement survives, often referred to as neo-Luddites, who rally against computers, cell phones and other gadgets that can be considered the automated loom of the
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1 Bensussen Deutsch & Associates (BD&A) Woodinville, WA www.bdainc.com Principal: Jay Deutsch, CEO “TAKING THE BULL BY THE HORNS” PM: In your opinion, what does it mean to be a top distributor? JD: It means we pay attention to our clients’ objectives. It means creating effective and cohesive merchandise programs that provide a tangible, useful and personal connection to our clients’ brands. It means providing the most comprehensive suite of merchandise services, and backing them with the best people around. PM: What has been your strategy for success? JD: BD&A’s strategy for success is proven processes, unmatched
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DON’T ANGER OPRAH. Despite the fact the point’s been hammered home to us mere mortals ever since Ms. Winfrey took over the world, memoirist James Frey still believed he could “enhance” a few pesky details with his formerly Winfrey-approved tale, “A Million Little Pieces.” We all know what happened next. He’s on the express train to obscurity. And the ticket is not round-trip. For better or (more often) worse, embellishment gets things noticed—after all, the National Enquirer staff has to eat, too. Luckily for the honest-living promotional industry folk, the power can be harnessed for good. Chosen with the right amount of care,
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VARIETY MIGHT VERY well be the spice of life, but as seasoned chefs can confirm, too much of a good thing often ruins the pot. The perfect accompaniment deliciously complements, without overpowering, a main course. Not unlike the contents of the kitchen spice rack, “Drinkware comes in many different sizes, colors and price points, so it makes a perfect option in almost every distributor presentation,” said Brian P. Padian, vice president of inside sales at Tustin, California-based Logomark. Yet, in creating success-ful drinkware promotions, distributors can benefit from the discretion, foresight and planning of the most elite culinary artists to find the right
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HE INDUSTRY OFFERS distributors a variety of goods that can help them help their clients make the right moves before, during and after a trade show. Following are three steps informed distributors should take to ensure their clients’ shows are a success every time. BEFORE—Create a buzz with pre-show mailings. According to Eric Johnson, vice president of marketing and development at Halls & Company, Brooklyn Park, Minn., creating a buzz before the show is the first step in ensuring a great trade-show experience. He said sending a pre-show mailing containing half of a promotional product to a predetermined customer list, for example,
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Susan Freiberg, owner of Proforma ABF Direct, based in Turnersville, N.J., is helping the Gloucester County Red Cross’s executive director Laura Steinmetz “bag” the local branch’s financial troubles. Freiberg, with Proforma ABF Direct resources at hand, is donating 500 beach tote bags to the Gloucester County Red Cross. The bags will be given out in return for a $10 donation. After all the bags are given away, the local Red Cross branch will be $5,000 closer to its mandatory goal of raising $70,000 in order to stay open. One of the oldest chapters in New Jersey, the Gloucester County Red Cross collects more
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